The world of colored pencils can be overwhelming for beginners, with so many brands and types to choose from. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll introduce you to the basics of colored pencils and recommend some of the best options for beginners. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to upgrade your supplies, we’ve got you covered.
Colored pencils are a versatile medium that can be used for a wide variety of projects, from simple drawings to detailed illustrations. They’re also relatively inexpensive and easy to find, making them a great option for beginners. The main difference between colored pencils and other types of pencils is the core. Colored pencils have a core made of pigment, wax, and oil, which gives them their smooth, blendable texture.
Best Colored Pencils for Beginners
When choosing colored pencils for beginners, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Quality matters.
- Look for pigment-rich cores.
- Consider lightfastness.
- Choose a comfortable grip.
- Start with a basic set.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start shopping for colored pencils. There are many great brands and types to choose from, so take your time and find a set that meets your needs and budget.
Quality matters.
When it comes to colored pencils, quality really does matter. Cheap, low-quality pencils will be frustrating to use and won’t produce good results. They may be hard to blend, the colors may not be vibrant, and the tips may break easily. On the other hand, high-quality colored pencils will be a joy to use and will help you create beautiful artwork.
- Strong cores: High-quality colored pencils have strong, durable cores that won’t break easily. This is important because it allows you to apply more pressure without worrying about the pencil snapping.
- Rich pigments: High-quality colored pencils are made with rich, vibrant pigments that produce beautiful, saturated colors. Cheap pencils often use lower-quality pigments that can look dull and washed out.
- Smooth blending: High-quality colored pencils blend smoothly and easily, allowing you to create subtle transitions between colors. Cheap pencils may be difficult to blend, resulting in a choppy, uneven look.
- Lightfastness: Lightfastness refers to how well a color resists fading over time. High-quality colored pencils are made with lightfast pigments that will resist fading for many years, even when exposed to direct sunlight. Cheap pencils may contain fugitive pigments that will fade quickly, especially if exposed to light.
Of course, quality comes at a price. High-quality colored pencils can be more expensive than cheap pencils. However, they are worth the investment if you are serious about creating beautiful artwork.
Look for pigment-rich cores.
The core of a colored pencil is what gives it its color. Cores are made of pigment, wax, and oil. The quality of the pigment is what determines the vibrancy and richness of the color. Cheap colored pencils often use low-quality pigments that can look dull and washed out. High-quality colored pencils, on the other hand, use rich, vibrant pigments that produce beautiful, saturated colors.
- Strong colors: Colored pencils with pigment-rich cores will produce strong, vibrant colors that are true to life. Cheap pencils may have weak, dull colors that look muddy or washed out.
- Good coverage: Pigment-rich cores provide good coverage, meaning that you can apply the pencil smoothly and evenly without having to go over the same area multiple times. Cheap pencils may have poor coverage, resulting in a streaky, uneven look.
- Easy blending: Pigment-rich cores blend easily and smoothly, allowing you to create subtle transitions between colors. Cheap pencils may be difficult to blend, resulting in a choppy, uneven look.
- Long-lasting: Pigment-rich cores are more durable and long-lasting than cheap cores. This means that your artwork will resist fading over time, even if it is exposed to direct sunlight.
When choosing colored pencils for beginners, it is important to look for pencils with pigment-rich cores. This will ensure that you are getting pencils that produce beautiful, vibrant colors and that will last for many years to come.
Consider lightfastness.
Lightfastness refers to how well a color resists fading over time when exposed to light. This is an important consideration for colored pencils, especially if you plan on creating artwork that will be displayed or sold. Cheap colored pencils often contain fugitive pigments that will fade quickly, especially if exposed to direct sunlight. High-quality colored pencils, on the other hand, are made with lightfast pigments that will resist fading for many years, even when exposed to direct sunlight.
- Long-lasting artwork: Colored pencils with lightfast pigments will ensure that your artwork remains vibrant and beautiful for many years to come, even if it is displayed in a sunny location.
- Suitable for archival purposes: Lightfast colored pencils are suitable for archival purposes, meaning that they can be used to create artwork that is intended to be preserved for a long time.
- Fade-resistant: Lightfast colored pencils are fade-resistant, meaning that they will not lose their color over time, even when exposed to direct sunlight or other sources of light.
- Consistent colors: Lightfast colored pencils produce consistent colors that will not change or fade over time. This is important for creating accurate and realistic artwork.
When choosing colored pencils for beginners, it is important to consider lightfastness. This will ensure that you are getting pencils that will produce artwork that is long-lasting and fade-resistant.
Choose a comfortable grip.
The grip of a colored pencil is important for comfort and control. A comfortable grip will allow you to draw for long periods of time without experiencing hand fatigue. A good grip should be:
- Non-slip: The grip should be made of a non-slip material that will provide a secure hold, even if your hands are sweaty.
- Ergonomic: The grip should be ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand and reduce strain.
- Appropriate thickness: The grip should be thick enough to provide a comfortable cushion for your fingers, but not so thick that it makes it difficult to control the pencil.
- Smooth: The grip should be smooth and free of any rough edges that could irritate your skin.
If you have large or small hands, you may need to choose a colored pencil with a grip that is specifically designed for your hand size. There are also colored pencils available with adjustable grips, which can be customized to fit any hand size.
Trying out different colored pencils before you buy them is a good way to find a grip that is comfortable for you. Hold the pencil in your hand and draw for a few minutes. Pay attention to how the pencil feels in your hand and whether or not you experience any discomfort.
Start with a basic set.
When you’re first starting out, it’s not necessary to buy a large set of colored pencils. A basic set of 12-24 pencils will give you a good range of colors to work with and allow you to experiment with different techniques. Once you’ve gained some experience, you can then decide if you want to add more colors to your collection.
- Affordable: Basic sets of colored pencils are more affordable than larger sets, making them a good option for beginners who are on a budget.
- Easy to learn: A smaller set of pencils is easier to learn with than a large set. You’ll be able to focus on a few basic colors and techniques before moving on to more complex ones.
- Portable: Basic sets of colored pencils are often more portable than larger sets, making them easy to take with you when you’re traveling or sketching on the go.
- Versatile: Even a basic set of colored pencils can be used to create a wide variety of artwork, from simple drawings to detailed illustrations.
Once you’ve gained some experience with your basic set of colored pencils, you can then start to add more colors to your collection. There are many different brands and types of colored pencils available, so you can choose the ones that best suit your needs and budget.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about colored pencils for beginners:
Question 1: What is the best brand of colored pencils for beginners?
Answer: There is no one “best” brand of colored pencils for beginners, as the best brand will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, some popular brands that are known for their high quality and beginner-friendly products include Faber-Castell, Prismacolor, and Crayola.
Question 2: How many colored pencils do I need to start with?
Answer: A basic set of 12-24 colored pencils is a good starting point for beginners. This will give you a good range of colors to work with and allow you to experiment with different techniques. Once you’ve gained some experience, you can then decide if you want to add more colors to your collection.
Question 3: What should I look for when choosing colored pencils?
Answer: When choosing colored pencils, you should consider the following factors: quality, pigment richness, lightfastness, grip comfort, and price. It’s important to find pencils that are made with high-quality materials and that produce vibrant, long-lasting colors. You should also choose pencils that have a comfortable grip and that are within your budget.
Question 4: How do I care for my colored pencils?
Answer: To care for your colored pencils, you should store them in a cool, dry place. You should also avoid dropping them or exposing them to extreme temperatures. When you’re finished using your pencils, be sure to put them back in their case or container to protect them from damage.
Question 5: What are some basic colored pencil techniques for beginners?
Answer: Some basic colored pencil techniques for beginners include: blending, layering, and hatching. Blending is the process of mixing two or more colors together to create a new color. Layering is the process of applying multiple layers of color to create depth and richness. Hatching is the process of creating lines or marks in different directions to create shading and texture.
Question 6: How can I improve my colored pencil skills?
Answer: The best way to improve your colored pencil skills is to practice regularly. You can practice by drawing simple objects, such as fruits, flowers, or animals. You can also practice different techniques, such as blending, layering, and hatching. There are also many online resources and tutorials available that can help you learn new techniques and improve your skills.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful and vibrant artwork with colored pencils.
Now that you know more about colored pencils, you can start experimenting and creating your own unique artwork. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your colored pencils:
Tip 1: Experiment with different brands and types of colored pencils.
There are many different brands and types of colored pencils available, each with its own unique characteristics. Experiment with different brands and types to find the ones that you like the best and that work best for your style of drawing.
Tip 2: Use a light touch.
Colored pencils are very pigmented, so you don’t need to press hard when you’re drawing. Use a light touch to avoid creating harsh lines and to allow the colors to blend smoothly.
Tip 3: Layer your colors.
Layering is a great way to create depth and richness in your artwork. Apply multiple layers of color, starting with a light base color and gradually adding darker colors on top. Blend the colors together as you go to create a smooth, seamless look.
Tip 4: Use different techniques to create different effects.
There are many different colored pencil techniques that you can use to create different effects in your artwork. For example, you can use blending to create smooth transitions between colors, or you can use hatching to create shading and texture. Experiment with different techniques to find the ones that you like the best and that work best for your style of drawing.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful and vibrant artwork with colored pencils.
Colored pencils are a versatile and affordable medium that can be used to create a wide variety of artwork. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned artist, there’s something for everyone in the world of colored pencils.
Conclusion
Colored pencils are a great choice for beginners because they are affordable, versatile, and easy to use. They can be used to create a wide variety of artwork, from simple drawings to detailed illustrations. When choosing colored pencils for beginners, it is important to consider the quality of the pencils, the richness of the pigments, the lightfastness of the colors, the comfort of the grip, and the price. A basic set of 12-24 colored pencils is a good starting point for beginners. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful and vibrant artwork with colored pencils.
So what are you waiting for? Get started today and see what you can create!
